Texans place Tim Dobbins on injured reserve

Posted by Josh Alper on January 4, 2013, 4:21 PM EDT

Reuters

For the second time this week, the Texans placed an inside linebacker on injured reserve.

Tim Dobbins‘ season is over thanks to an ankle injury. The move leaves the Texans awfully thin at the position after placing Darryl Sharpton on injured reserve earlier this week, especially since they have had a hard time replacing Brian Cushing at inside linebacker since Cushing’s own season-ending injury earlier this year. Veteran Barrett Ruud will likely be in the starting lineup for Saturday’s game against the Bengals.

Dobbins made headlines earlier this season when he was fined $30,000 for a hit on Bears quarterback Jay Cutler that left Cutler concussed during the November matchup between the teams. That game was one of six that Dobbins started this season and he ended the regular season with 43 tackles and an interception in 14 games this season. Rookie Cameron Collins has been promoted from the practice squad.

Things look a bit healthier at outside linebacker. The Texans should have Brooks Reed on Saturday after he was listed as probable with the groin injury that kept him on the sideline for four of the team’s final five games. Guard Antoine Caldwell is doubtful with a back injury while 13 other Texans are probable.

This is a big loss for the Texans. Given that the middle of the defense is the weakest point of the Texans defense, losing your best remaining run stopping ILB is not good.
The injuries to the secondary hurts also but a lack of a pass rush outside of JJ Watt amplifies the defiencies of the secondary.

harrisonhits2 says:Jan 4, 2013 4:48 PM

Texans, one and done again.

thekingdave says:Jan 4, 2013 5:07 PM

Except for that part where they weren’t “one and done” last year

tdubdizzle says:Jan 4, 2013 5:26 PM

Well it was fun while it lasted Texans, See ya next year. Benjarvus Green Ellis favorite spot to run is…up the middle. Goodbye.

ronaldjones says:
Jan 4, 2013 4:34 PM
Tim Dobbins is not a good football player, but he is better than anyone else the Texans have. I do give him credit, however, for his awesome near-death blow to Cutler.

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Pretty sad that any fan would give credit to a player illegally hitting a QB